Archadeck of Austin

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No Stone Was Left Unturned In This Round Rock Outdoor Living Transformation!

Patio builders and pergola builders may come and go, but one thing is for certain. With an extensive and creatively-designed outdoor living space transformation like this, Archadeck of Austin proves we will be here for the long haul. Using our acclaimed expertise to create the ultimate in Round Rock patios and fire pit combos, we made the magic happen for this Round Rock family.

round-rock-tx-custom-patios-pergolas

Before we began the project, the homeowners had an incredibly small and limited backyard. Sadly, it was not very versatile, leaving little if any room to even turn around. Additionally, the area lacked a sidewalk providing access to their front gate, too. Archadeck of Austin put on our thinking cap for this outdoor living space transformation.

before
Backyard before Archadeck began the project.
before
Side yard before we began the project.

Archadeck Comes To The Rescue With A Bigger, Better Design

First things first, our team began by adding a much larger patio space. Adjacent to the new patio and accesible via the new beautifully fashioned river rock pathway, we built a wood-burning fire pit for those evenings when the outdoor air is just a  tad too chilly.

round-rock-tx-patio-builders

The crowning glory to this beautifully large patio is the majestic pergola, structured to evolve seamlessly off the rear roof of the home. To provide a more convenient and natural way to access the front gate leading to the backyard, a four-foot-wide concrete sidewalk was added as part of this transformational plan.

round-rock-custom-hardscape-builder

To accent and frame the new sidewalk, we removed a good portion of the side yard lawn and installed a heavy-duty weed block to prevent unwanted growth around the new pathway. Atop it, we installed two to three-inch Texas café river rock on either side of the sidewalk.

To ensure that the pathway down to the wood-burning stone fire pit would stay strong and in place, our team used a metal edge on the pathway downward. The area where the fire pit area is located measures a generous 12-feet in diameter.

fire-pit-combination-outdor-living-round-rock

The new main patio area adjacent to the rear of the home is new concrete with a flagstone overlay application. As for the beautiful pergola, it is handcrafted out of cedar with a TopGal polycarbonate cover for added protection.

round-rock-tx-cedar-pergola-topgal-cover

Unlike fabric pergola shade covers, TopGal is excellent for more intense weather situations like rain and snow. Made from high-quality PVC they make an excellent choice for pergola roofing thanks to their affordability and high light transmission.

Archadeck Is Ready To Design & Build The Backyard Of Your Dreams

round-rock-pegola-fire-pit-patio

Get your wish list ready and contact us today to schedule your free outdoor living design consultation.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.

Patio Overlay And Masonry Wall Adds Privacy And Luxury To Georgetown, TX Backyard Space

Enjoying your backyard outdoor living space is wonderful. But when it becomes a “stage” for your nearby neighbors to see, well then, something needs to be done to ensure some modicum of privacy.

After all, just because you’re outside doesn’t mean your outdoor living activities and festivities need to become a reality show…

georgetown tx creative outdoor living space designs

CALL ARCHADECK FOR PRIVACY OPTIONS FOR YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

Reminiscent of a multi-level outdoor living luxury patio and hardscape space that you would see in the movies, this one had one thing missing. Privacy. So when the family connected with Archadeck of Austin designer, Jim Schallon, he knew exactly what was needed.

CMU to the rescue – or a Concrete Masonry Unit Wall.

georgetown patio builder

Concrete masonry units are made from a mixture of Portland cement and aggregates under controlled conditions. The units can be made to various dimensions, but typically have face dimensions of 8 inches high by 16 inches wide.

Portland cement is the most common type of cement in general use around the world as a basic ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco and non-specialty grout. It was developed from other types of hydraulic lime in England in the early 19th century by Joseph Aspdin, and is usually made from limestone.

georgetown patio builder

This CMU concrete substructure with stone on both sides now provides a host of benefits for the family to remedy the fact that they were previously feeling “exposed.” They jokingly refer to it as “patio protection.”

Prior to the installation of the outdoor living privacy wall, we added a new overlay on the concrete patio to give it a refreshed look – a worthy host for what was to come atop it.

Typically known as the Georgetown patio and deck experts, this sight-and-sound outdoor barrier was quite fun for our team to design and install. It was a great change of pace – and perspective – for our outdoor living solutions experts.

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A CMU CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT WALL FOR MY BACKYARD OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES?

Now that this installation is part of our outdoor luxuries repertoire, we could spend hours talking about its features and benefits. But cutting to the chase, here is what is most important to know.

Privacy: Unless your next door neighbor has x-ray vision like Superman, they will never, ever see you sunbathing on your newly refurbished patio. Period. And if you’re enjoying tunes from your digital device with ear pods, chances are they will never know you’re out there. How’s that for privacy?

details of cmu wall in georgetown tx

Security: Instead of being exposed for all to see, a Concrete Masonry Unit Wall is a great deterrent for possible intrusions. What can’t be seen is automatically protected from wandering eyes and sightlines.

Beauty: One look at the stunning structure of varied geometric shapes and sizes, the varying tones of gold, coral, tan and soft gray are magnificent to see. With such vertical beauty at your side, this privacy solution instantly eliminates the need for privacy landscaping that requires upkeep and eventually possible replacement in years to come. CMU is a one-and-done solution. Actually, here, no maintenance means no maintenance. Just turn you head and enjoy the view and serenity. And at night as the sun sets, the family now enjoys soft illumination cascading down from the cap area on top of the privacy wall.

new space in georgetown at night

Functionality: With some creative thinking, you can put your outdoor privacy wall to work. For example, for this family, we added a protected enclosure for an outdoor television. The new CMU now serves as a catalyst for an outdoor entertainment area. As you can see, we also added a recess with custom cedar shutters in order to enclose an outdoor TV. And connected to the home’s Wi-Fi, the family streams the most popular movies and TV series available!

WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE TO SOLVE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING CHALLENGES

Contact Archadeck of Austin today to schedule your free design consultation.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.

Round Rock, TX Patio Undergoes a Miraculous Transformation Extension in the Most Beautifully Artistic Way

One of the perks of being Austin’s favorite builder of combination outdoor living spaces with integrated fire pits is that beauty is all around … you just have to look for it and see the potential.

Round Rock Patio Extension with custom privacy screens

This was the case with this rear backyard outdoor living space rebirth.

Wanting a larger area to enjoy their outdoors but also looking to maintain privacy options for their outdoor space, this Austin family connected with Archadeck of Austin after hearing such wonderful things about our process, our reputation with hardscapes and our work in specializing in Red Rock outdoor fire features.

For us, being Austin’s favorite custom fire pit builder is icing on the proverbial outdoor cake, as our claim to fame has been designing and creating memorably stunning combination patios and pergolas with niche outdoor living rooms and outdoor kitchens.

TURNING SMALL AND PLAIN INTO LOVELY AND LUXURIOUS

Remember the story of Eliza Doolittle in George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and her seamless transformation? That’s kind of what this outdoor re-creation was like. Truly transformative in every way.

We started with the home’s “good bones” and turned boring and so-so into a true masterpiece.

This well-preserved Round Rock, TX classic home needed more. More functionality. More aesthetic appeal. More outdoor living spaces. Our solution was to kick it up a notch by kicking out the rear of the outdoor living covered patio they already had in place.

We removed the downward staircase that sat at the left rear of the home and extended the area to triple its former size.

In addition to increasing its size, we added stunning finishing touches, so much so that this outdoor living space is now known as the crowing jewel of the neighborhood’s Austin backyards – and a recent favorite spot for friends and neighbors to frequent.

ARTFULLY DESIGNED WITH ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAIL

As the extended patio was built out, we decided to add an angled staircase on the right side of the structure, as it led to a more fluid green space in the rear yard.

To compliment the black powder-coated railing, we chose Hideaway privacy black metal screens to create the feeling of enclosure and intimacy on both the left and right sides of the newly extended area.

Unique privacy screens on Round Rock Patio Upgrade

In keeping with an eye for beauty – as well as safety and functionality – we added a 36-inch iron fortress railing, along the far width of the space. It defines the useable area beautifully.

At the base of it, we created a low maintenance garden area for accent shrubs and greenery, giving the homeowners the option to further customize it with perennials at their whim.

Likewise, nestled into an angled corner where the new staircase is located, we installed an inset garden area to introduce more depth, elegance, color and fragrance to the space.

SHARING THE EVENING WITH THE WARMTH OF FRIENDS AND A NEW FIRE FEATURE

Especially now with longer evening hours, family and visitors are more than welcome to stay outdoors as long as they wish warmed by the conversation and laughter of good company and this stunning fire feature.

A sea of multicolored coral, white and gray glass serves as the foundation for the vibrant gas flames that appear with a flick of the finger. All of the surfaces of the new fire pit and planters were created with Lueders Limestone, both on top as well as on the bottom. For those not familiar with it, Lueders is a tried and true Texas limestone from a nearby quarry in North Texas.

Round Rock Fire Pit Builder

The stone’s natural composition boasts a rich variation in gradients and colors from buff, light-gold, dove gray, to even deep-golds which partners well with the fire pit interior space.

Carrying through the new schema of warmth and welcome for this extended outdoor living oasis, the homeowners decided to choose intense orange colored all-weather cushions for their outdoor living furniture and accent rugs.

WISHING DOES MAKE IT SO WHEN ARCHADECK IS INVOLVED

The stuff that outdoor living dreams are made of starts right here. Schedule your free, no-obligation outdoor space design consultation now.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.

New Low-Maintenance Deck Provides Open Area Where These Falconhead West Homeowners Can Enjoy Their Fabulous Canyon View

Once in a while, a client requests the opposite of a typical Archadeck of Austin project. We are always happy to work out a great custom design for them! So often, our clients have an open outdoor living space like a patio or a deck, and they are looking for a shade solution. Frequently we design a new covered porch to work in combination with a homeowner’s existing patio or deck. In many other cases, we replace an existing patio or deck with an entirely new covered porch and open patio or deck combination.

AZEK deck builders Austin TX

It all adds up to the same thing, no matter the starting point. Homeowners who enjoy spending much of their time outdoors, at home, love having both a shaded and an open outdoor living space. The same is true for homeowners who love to entertain outdoors. The versatility you gain when you have an open and covered outdoor living combination is immeasurable.

Our clients at this home in the Falconhead West neighborhood in Bee Cave, TX, had the opposite problem of most. They have a beautiful covered porch at the back of their home. And they have a magnificent view across the canyon below. What they needed was an open-to-the-sky outdoor space where they can enjoy that wide-open view, day or night. Given the slope of this property, a deck was a better option for them than a patio.  

Austin’s Low-Maintenance Deck Designer Helps You Enjoy Your Hill Country View!

At Archadeck of Austin, we absolutely love helping you enjoy your marvelous view! What good is a great view if you don’t have the perfect place to enjoy it? For these Falconhead West homeowners, we designed a beautiful deck using TimberTech/AZEK low-maintenance decking. They selected two colors, Weathered Teak for the main deck surface and English Walnut as an accent color. Our custom deck design incorporates the darker color for picture framing, a parting board, and stair risers.

Archadeck’s high-quality work shines through in the details of this custom deck design. Picture framing refers to the darker boards that form the outer edge of the deck surface. We also picture-framed the small landing on the deck stairs. The parting board is the dark board that runs straight through the middle of the deck from the steps across to the far side. In addition to adding visual interest, the parting board provides a tidy way for the diagonal decking boards to meet in the deck’s center. No one likes to see the raw ends of two decking boards meet up with each other, if we can prevent that. As you can see, inserting a parting board allows for a cleaner design.

Custom AZEK deck in Austin's Falconhead West

Notice the black railing around this deck – it practically disappears when you look out at the view. The homeowners have placed decorative black bollard lights at each railing post, inconspicuous because they blend in with the black posts. The beautiful, ornamental detail of these lights will provide amazing ambiance on this deck at night.

Austin custom deck with amazing views

From the ground, looking up, you can see that the deck itself is cantilevered over the under-deck storage area. We built the solid board deck skirting with cedar. The homeowners have plenty of storage space under the deck, an excellent use of this space.  Contact Archadeck of Austin today to schedule your free design consultation.

Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin

Patio Gets Premium Upgrades for Family’s New Swim Spa in Mayfield Ranch, Round Rock, TX

The purchase of a swim spa was the inspiration for these homeowners in the Mayfield Ranch area of Round Rock, TX, to call Archadeck of Austin. They needed an extra-strong concrete pad for their new swim spa. It was the perfect opportunity to extend and upgrade their existing patio. Now they enjoy a much larger patio while they wait for their swim spa to be delivered. When it finally arrives, they will be more than ready for it!

Patio Gets Premium Upgrades for Family’s New Swim Spa in Mayfield Ranch, Round Rock, TX

Multi-tiered Patio Extends this Mayfield Ranch Family’s Outdoor Options

Our clients had a covered patio at the back of their home and wanted to extend it. We added what is essentially a second patio, just a few steps down from the first. The result is one big, multi-tiered patio that extends from the house out to the new swim spa location. The original patio is the family’s shaded area, and the new section is open to the stars. They will especially enjoy this open patio after dark.

In preparation for the new patio area and swim spa support pad, we did a lot of digging! The early stage of installing a concrete patio involves digging trenches and laying steel rebar. The rebar stabilizes the concrete floor to give the patio a longer life. On this project, we also used the trenches to bury conduit so the client’s electrician can run power to the swim spa when it arrives. They will install outdoor electrical outlets, too, so the homeowners will have electricity on the patio for their convenience.

The new patio surface features a beautiful flagstone pattern overlay. To create this surface, we used a mixture of quartz and concrete that is 8 times stronger than the concrete surface it is binding to. We etched the flagstone pattern into the surface of the overlayment, completing the grooves and grout work by hand. Then we hand-stained each individual piece and sealed the patio surface.

Turning Patio Steps Into an Art Form

Tying the new patio area into the existing patio, we rebuilt the patio steps more to the clients’ liking. These new steps leading from the covered patio to the open patio are wider and deeper than the original, increased from 12″ deep to 18″ deep. They are also shallower than the original steps, creating a more graceful transition from the upper to the lower tier.  

Multi-tiered Patio Extends this Mayfield Ranch Family’s Outdoor Options

As a finishing touch, we built a bench of chopped stone with a smooth stone cap for seating. Much like a seating wall, a bench like this saves space on the patio because it can seat more people than a row of bulky chairs. It’s perfect for additional seating. The homeowners can also use its surface as a place to set out refreshments.  

Now the clients’ remaining task will be to install the swim spa on its new concrete pad at the end of the patio. With dimensions of 16’ long x 7’ wide x 60″ tall, this swim spa will be big and heavy. The concrete pad we have prepared for it will stand up to the test, we are certain.

Mayfield Ranch Patio Builders

Do you need a larger and more beautiful patio and a place for your hot tub or swim spa? We would love to create a custom solution to meet your outdoor living needs. Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.

Georgetown, TX, Covered Pergola Creates Idyllic Setting for Relaxation Beside the Koi Pond

Sometimes the work we do at your home is as much about what you don’t see as the outdoor living structures you do see. That was the case here in the Cimarron Hills subdivision in Georgetown, TX. The homeowners hired Archadeck of Austin to create a shade structure to complement their backyard landscape and koi pond. In the process, we created a solution so the homeowners would have electric power reaching the pumps for the koi pond – no longer needing extension cords.

Covered Pergola Creates Idyllic Setting Beside Koi Pond in Georgetown, TX.
Covered Pergola Creates Idyllic Setting Beside Koi Pond.

A Shade Pergola with Topgal Cover Keeps the Area Cooler

Our clients were creating a tranquil oasis in their back yard, and the beautiful 12 x 12 cedar pergola we built here is the centerpiece. We stained the pergola with semi-transparent stain, so the wood itself is stunning. We covered the pergola with Topgal, which is not a sheet of solid plastic. It’s a transparent four-wall polycarbonate structure that filters UV rays, provides thermal insulation and reduces solar heat gain under the pergola. Translation: the homeowners will stay cooler here than they would under a solid plastic pergola cover. The Topgal cover will also protect the homeowners from rain.

Covered pergola in Georgetown TX

We added a fan under the pergola, and lighting on the posts for nighttime enjoyment as well.

Always Resourceful, Archadeck of Austin Offers Solutions

The other important piece to the clients’ backyard oasis was the large koi pond, 4 feet deep at the deepest point. They had two pump systems, one on each side of the pond, to keep the water oxygenated for the fish. They were using extension cords to supply power to these pumps, and we had a better solution.

before
Before

We dug a trench and laid conduit from the kitchen to supply power to the pergola for the fan and lighting. While we were at it, we went ahead and trenched to bring power via conduit to an electric outlet hidden by a rock. This provided a power source for the pump closest to the pergola, and the other we ran under the ground to the back of the pergola. Success!

After Archadeck of Austin completed the project.
After

By supplying power to the pergola and the pumps at the same time, we solved a problem for the clients. There is no exposed conduit, and no need for extension cords. We installed switches on the pergola to control the fan and lighting. It’s an idyllic setting for relaxation where the homeowners can enjoy their beautiful koi pond under the shade of their new pergola.

Do you need to add shade in your yard? We would love to create a custom solution to meet your outdoor living needs. Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.

Profesionales de la construcción con experiencia en carpintería establecida

Somos Archadeck, una empresa líder en diseño y construcción para espacios exteriores como terrazas, porches, cabañas y estructuras de sombra de alta calidad.

Buscamos profesionales de la construcción con establecida experiencia en carpintería para trabajar en nuestros proyectos de remodelación y construcción residenciales. Los elegidos serán responsables de entregar el producto terminado de acuerdo con las especificaciones del contrato, las expectativas del cliente, las leyes de construcción y la empresa de Archadeck. Se requiere experiencia previa en carpintería con proyectos residenciales, al igual que probadas habilidades de comunicación interpersonal, excelentes habilidades de servicio al cliente, una sólida ética de trabajo y la capacidad de seguir nuestros procesos establecidos. Pagamos sorteos por proyecto semanalmente.

RESPONSABILIDADES DEL LIDER CONTRATADO:

  • Coordinar a los integrantes del equipo para asegurarse de que comprendan y trabajen de acuerdo con los planos de construcción y los detalles especificados.
  • Verificar los planos de construcción para garantizar que exista precisión de la información requerida.
  • Verificar que los materiales entregados estén de acuerdo con las expectativas del proyecto e informar a la gerencia de la empresa sobre los artículos faltantes y la continuidad del trabajo.
  • Establecer y seguir el horario establecido.
  • Mantener ordenado el lugar de trabajo, limpiando a diario y asegurándose de que se utilicen las prácticas de seguridad.
  • Mantener relaciones positivas con los clientes.
  • Informar a la gerencia de la empresa sobre los problemas suscitados para su resolución.
  • Cumplir con el acuerdo de subcontratista firmado.

CALIFICACIONES DEL LIDER:

  • Poseer herramientas de trabajo propias.
  • Tener su propio camión, o transporte confiable, y una licencia de conducir válida.
  • Tener referencias de trabajo.
  • Saber leer, comprender y construir según los planos de construcción establecidos.
  • Tener una sólida ética de trabajo y una actitud positiva y amigable con los clientes y los funcionarios de la empresa.
  • Mostrar siempre un aspecto limpio y ordenado.
  • Ser capaz de comunicarse hábilmente.
  • Estar dispuesto a aprender y seguir procesos establecidos.
Los solicitantes calificados pueden enviar su currículum a: jim.odom@archadeck.net y wvann@archadeck.net

Archadeck Shows Off a Budget-Friendly Screened Room and Flagstone Patio in North Austin

These North Austin homeowners wanted a shaded outdoor space, protection from rain and protection from pesky insects. They also wanted an open patio to enjoy when the temperature is comfortable outdoors and bugs are not biting. Archadeck of Austin combined these features in a budget-friendly screened room and patio project – with retractable screens.

Budget friendly screened room in Austin TX

Aluminum Roof Adds Shade and Keeps Rain Away

To build the porch cover, we installed cedar posts and beams and added a roof made of Structall structural insulated panels covered with aluminum. This type of roof is simpler and less involved than our typical porch cover with rafters and roofing shingles. It accomplishes the purpose of providing a covered space with shade, making the area cooler. Shade is always a precious commodity around here! In addition to giving shade, the roof gives the homeowners protection from rain, allowing them to enjoy the sights and sounds of rain without getting wet. To divert water from the screened enclosure, we added gutters.

Aluminum Roof Adds Shade and Keeps Rain Away

Screened Enclosure Keeps Bugs Out

Within the porch framework of beams and posts, we installed a retractable screened enclosure system. The specific screening system we used for this project is from Genius Retractable Screens. These screens roll up into a protective housing, which means when the screens are not in use, they are tucked out of the way. When the clients want to enjoy shade outdoors and don’t need protection from insects, their screened porch can easily become an open porch. 

Screened Enclosure Keeps Bugs Out

The homeowners requested a railing around the border of the screened enclosure even though railings are not required here since the patio is at grade. We built the railing with cedar to match the posts. We also stained all of the cedar – railing, posts and beams – with a redwood stain.

Enjoy Patio and Hardscapes When Temperatures are Right – Especially at Night

Austin custom flagstone patio

The homeowners selected beautiful natural flagstone in a mix of colors for their patio surface. Along the edge of the patio opposite the screened room, we built stone seating walls and incorporated patio lighting in the hardscapes. For the perfect finishing touch, the clients added overhead string lighting around the patio. Magical!

Contact Archadeck of Austin today to schedule your free design consultation and make your outdoors magical, too!

Jim Odom Archadeck of Austin
Jim Odom, owner Archadeck of Austin.



Spacious South Austin Patio and Elevated Deck Create Multi-Faceted Outdoor Living Space

Today’s featured patio and deck project in South Austin illustrates the almost-unlimited scope of an Archadeck of Austin backyard makeover.

South Austin Custom Deck and Hardscapes

If you want to replace an older deck, porch or patio, your next outdoor living space can be completely fresh and new. Not just new materials, but a completely different design, too. Unless you specifically want to use the same footprint for your new structure(s), let’s think outside of that pre-existing box! At Archadeck we always have fresh design ideas to enhance your outdoor living lifestyle.

Replacing an Old Deck with a New Patio … and a New Deck, Too!

For these South Austin homeowners, we created a design that increased the size of their outdoor living space exponentially. We built a new patio more than twice the size of the old deck it replaced. Then we added a new deck on top of that. And we mean “on top of” quite literally – as in, overhead. The new elevated deck gives these homeowners a second-story spot for relaxing, at eye level with the treetops, something they didn’t have before.


Not only do the new patio and deck add more outdoor living space to the clients’ home, they contribute stunning aesthetics and additional function, too. All with low-maintenance materials for easy upkeep through the years ahead.

A Large South Austin Patio with Room for Everything, even an Outdoor Kitchen

We predict this gorgeous patio will be the scene of many outdoor gatherings of all kinds. From quiet dinners al fresco to great big parties, this multi-level patio can accommodate any occasion. The homeowners can use the different levels as different outdoor “rooms,” which is how you create an intimate space on such a large patio. This patio has two covered areas for comfortable sofas and chairs, a separate dining area, and an open area big enough for games! And there is more: an outdoor kitchen. We designed and built the stone structure for an outdoor kitchen, and we will add appliances and kitchen amenities at a later date.

Patio with outdoor kitchen

Altogether the new patio space covers about 1300 sq. feet. We created the beautiful patio surface with a concrete epoxy quartz overlay to give it the look of Roman stone. We installed aluminum railings on the patio and wrapped the existing brick columns with Hardie wrap in a paneled design for an elegant touch. And while the new stone retaining wall serves an obvious function at the patio’s edge, it can also provide additional seating.

We installed a Synergy Wood ceiling in the covered area of the patio

We installed a Synergy Wood ceiling in the covered area of the patio. The stain color our clients selected for their porch ceiling is called Colonial. The clients purchased the ceiling fans and sconces they wanted, and we installed those. We also installed recessed can lighting in the ceiling, and we added lights on the patio steps. These little patio lights will add ambiance while also increasing safety.

custom Texas star inlay on South Austin patio

The patio also features a custom Texas star that we added toward the end of the project. Our clients saw a star like this on our website in images from another patio project we completed, and they just had to have it. It’s a splendid finishing touch for the new patio!

The Perfect Vantage Point: A Low-maintenance Elevated Deck

We designed and built a second-story AZEK deck to give these homeowners a separate outdoor living space accessible from the upper level of the home. The ornate, baroque railings set the space apart with flair. For access to the deck, we removed an upstairs window and installed a door and sidelight. 

south austin azek deck builders

The new deck overhead supplies shade for a portion of the patio. We built the deck with an under-deck drainage system over a modified bitumen roof system to ensure the area underneath is dry space. 


Did we leave anything out? What amenities would you add or subtract if this were your outdoor living space? We hope this patio and deck combination project provides inspiration for a backyard makeover at your home!

Let us create a custom solution to meet your outdoor living needs. Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.

Daniel Smith, Designer, Archadeck of Austin.
Daniel Smith, Designer, Archadeck of Austin.

Daniel Smith, Designer, Archadeck of Austin.

Revitalized Back Porch in Hutto, TX, Proves Small Upgrades Can Make a Huge Difference

Today’s feature project in Hutto, TX, is a sweet reminder that smaller outdoor renovation projects can be just as satisfying as larger ones. It’s a matter of perspective. Not all of our projects here at Archadeck of Austin are beefy and massive! While we have built our share of pavilions, outdoor kitchens and beefy pergolas, we love the way a small project can have a big impact.

custom back porch hutto tx archadeck of austin

New Stairs, New Railings Give the Porch New Life

This client has a small, open porch at her back door. She enjoys spending time there and wanted to freshen it up. The first order of business was replacing the old wooden steps leading down to the yard. We built the new steps with AZEK low-maintenance decking boards. These back steps will look great for years without the need for painting, staining or sealing.

New stairs need new railings, right? Whether you call it an update or an upgrade, we custom-designed a powder-coated iron rail system and had it made just for this project. The homeowner’s visibility into the yard increased exponentially. What comes to mind when you compare these thin, horizontal cables to the old wooden pickets? All we can say is out with the old, in with the new! We capped off the new railings with an AZEK drink rail. Not only does it look sleek, it’s also a very useful feature.

New Ceiling, New Lighting Complete the Updated Setting

The porch originally had a painted Hardie ceiling and old-style mounted ceiling lights. We replaced the old ceiling with beautiful, tongue-and-groove Synergy Wood. We updated the lighting with a dimmable LED recessed ceiling light and installed the dimmer control switch inside, near the back door. Finally, we added cedar trim around the edge of the ceiling and stained it to match the Synergy Wood.

new synergy interior porch ceiling
Beautiful new Synergywood ceiling.

Our work here is done! The homeowner is happy with the updates to her back porch. As you can see, updating an outdoor living space doesn’t necessarily have to be a big project in order to make a major difference. Sometimes small upgrades can make a huge impact.


Does your home need a new porch or deck – or could you revitalize your outdoor living space with design and material updates? Contact Archadeck of Austin to schedule your free design consultation.

Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.
Jim Schallon, senior designer Archadeck of Austin.